APC Chairman leaves 2027 Senate presidency fate to lawmakers

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the decision on whether Godswill Akpabio will retain his position as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly rests with the elected senators.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed that the party will not impose a candidate for the top legislative seat ahead of the 2027 inauguration, which is about eight months away.

“The Senate actually determines it. Let’s wait for the election first. Do you know what? I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine whoever they want to make as Senate President. Well, the party will only just bring the majority leader”, Yilwatda stated.

The bid for the Senate Presidency has heightened following a recent amendment to the Senate’s standing rules. The revised guidelines stipulate that only returning lawmakers in the current 10th Senate who secure re-election and have served at least two consecutive terms are eligible to contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

The rule change came amid speculation that former senators Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege are considering a return to the red chamber to bid for the leadership seat in 2027. While the ambitions of Okowa and Omo-Agege remain silent, Uzodimma’s potential bid has gained ground.

During the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja last month, Akpabio issued an indirect warning to Uzodimma. The Senate President warned serving governors against abandoning their constituents for positions that might not be available.

“For my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people. I did eight years as a governor. And the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available”, Akpabio said.

This development follows a recent plenary session where lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio. Senator Tahir Monguno moved a motion endorsing the incumbent for the 11th Senate Presidency, which was seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi of Ekiti North.

“I hereby support the motion ably moved by Senator Monguno that the seat of the Senate President in the 11th Assembly is not open to any contest,” Fasuyi stated. “It is already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.”

Akpabio, acknowledging the interest surrounding the legislative leadership, stated that attention naturally shifts to the National Assembly once executive contests are concluded. He expressed optimism that many current members would secure re-election to the 11th Assembly.

“I know the position of president is gone, the position of vice president is gone, the only one that is left now is the position of Senate President. So, everybody will want to contest that,” he remarked.

Following the motion, Akpabio conducted a voice vote to ascertain if the endorsement reflected the general view of the Senate.

“Those in support say aye,” he declared, drawing a resounding response from the lawmakers.

When he called for opposing views, the chamber remained silent.
“They are not here. I think that settles it,” Akpabio concluded.